标签： North America

The United States is grappling with its longest-ever federal government shutdown, a crisis that underscores the deepening partisan divide and systemic dysfunction in American governance. The shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, after lawmakers failed to agree on funding bills for the 2026 fiscal year, has now surpassed the previous record of 35 days set during the 2018-19 shutdown under President Donald Trump. Experts warn that this impasse reflects a broader trend of political polarization, where government shutdowns are increasingly weaponized as tools for partisan warfare. Wei Zongyou, a professor at Fudan University’s Center for American Studies, attributes the crisis to growing ideological rifts between Democrats and Republicans on key issues such as taxation, healthcare, and immigration. The inability to pass even temporary funding measures highlights the extreme nature of this divide. The shutdown has far-reaching consequences, disrupting essential services like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which aids 42 million Americans, and forcing the Federal Aviation Administration to reduce airline traffic. Economically, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that a four-week shutdown could reduce real GDP by $7 billion, with losses escalating to $11 billion if the impasse continues for six weeks. Diao Daming, a professor of US studies at Renmin University of China, notes that the shutdown disproportionately affects the middle and lower classes while creating a dangerous blind spot for policymakers due to the halt in government data collection. This crisis underscores two critical challenges in US governance: an escalating fiscal crisis driven by reliance on debt and a widening ideological divide that hampers the government’s ability to function effectively.

In a significant turn of events, the Democratic Party has secured crucial victories in three pivotal elections, marking a potential resurgence after a year of setbacks. The wins in New York, Virginia, and New Jersey have reignited debates about the party’s future direction as it prepares for the 2026 midterms and beyond.

Nancy Pelosi, the trailblazing first female Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, announced on Thursday, November 6, 2025, that she will not seek re-election in 2026, marking the end of a storied four-decade career in Congress. Pelosi, 85, who has been a progressive Democratic icon and a frequent target of Republican criticism, made the announcement in a heartfelt video posted on X. Her decision comes shortly after California voters approved ‘Proposition 50,’ a redistricting initiative aimed at securing five additional House seats for Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections. Pelosi’s career has been defined by her fierce battles for control of the House and her high-profile clashes with former President Donald Trump during his first term from 2017 to 2020. Her retirement underscores a broader generational shift within the Democratic Party, as younger leaders push for change. Pelosi’s legacy includes her pivotal role in passing the Affordable Care Act under President Barack Obama and her relentless advocacy for human rights and LGBTQ+ equality. Her departure will leave a significant void in the Democratic leadership, though Representative Hakeem Jeffries is poised to step into her shoes. Pelosi’s tenure has been marked by both historic achievements and intense partisan strife, including two impeachment efforts against Trump and a harrowing attack on her husband in 2022. As she prepares to leave Congress, Pelosi’s impact on American politics remains indelible.

A federal judge has mandated the Trump administration to fully finance the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly referred to as food stamps, condemning the administration for allegedly withholding food aid for political motives. Judge John McConnell, in his ruling on Thursday, emphasized the dire consequences of withholding aid, stating that “16 million children are immediately at risk of going hungry.” SNAP, utilized by approximately 42 million Americans—about one in eight—assists low-income individuals in purchasing groceries. Initially, the administration intended to cease all funding this month due to the ongoing government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history. However, they were later instructed to disburse at least partial payments. Judge McConnell, based in Rhode Island, also rebuked President Donald Trump for suggesting that benefits would only be distributed post-shutdown. He approved a petition from various local governments and non-profit organizations, demanding full food benefits instead of the 65% previously ordered for this month. Appointed by President Barack Obama, Judge McConnell set a deadline for benefit payments by Friday, deeming any further delay “simply unacceptable.” He asserted, “This should never happen in America.” Over 42 million Americans depend on SNAP benefits, yet the program has been in jeopardy during the prolonged shutdown. Although individual states manage the benefits, the program relies on federal funding, which has been suspended since October 1. Last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), overseeing SNAP, announced it would cease distributing food-assistance funds starting November 1, citing a lack of funds. Half the states and the District of Columbia have sued the administration over the food-aid freeze, arguing their legal obligation to maintain the program. Federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island ruled that the administration must utilize $5.25 billion in emergency funds for at least partial payments. SNAP, costing about $8 billion monthly, enables low-income Americans to purchase groceries through reloadable debit cards. On average, a family of four receives $715 monthly, equating to less than $6 per person daily. Amid funding uncertainties, local governments have directed recipients to charity food pantries, which have initiated emergency drives. Additionally, cost-saving recipes have gained popularity online as Americans seek ways to manage their budgets.